Rising Young Model Binta Ba Opens Up with Regent Magazine

The Senegalese and Moroccan model opened her heart and gave us a glimpse into her life as a fashion model.

There’s no doubt that Binta Ba, who covers Regent Magazine June 2022 issue, is a rising model in the fashion industry. She has definitely got a promising future as a model and everything needed to shine. Currently signed to international model agency Mirrrs Models, Binta won’t stop until she gets what she wants.

In this conversation for Regent Magazine, the model opened her heart and gave us a gaze into some of her most personal reflections about her life, experience in the modelling industry, hobbies, beauty, favourite designers and supermodels.

Photographer: Karolina Woznicka (@karo_woznicka_)

Model: Binta Ba (@binta__b)

Model’s Agency: Mirrrs Models (@mirrrsmodels)

Makeup & Hair: Mai Anh (@maianh.makeup)

Getting to Know Her

R: It’s a pleasure to interview you, Binta Ba. Tell us a little bit about you as an individual. Who’s Binta Ba as a person on a normal day?

BB: Thank you for having me on this interview. My name is Binta, I am a Senegalese-Moroccan model, and I live in Paris. It’s hard to tell, but in everyday life, I’m a very shy person. I would say that Binta is very curious-creative person and loves to discover new things. I love fashion and art in general.

I also really enjoy human relationships, and I am a very supportive person. What makes me the happiest is seeing my loved ones happy.

R: Describe yourself in three words.

BB: Caring, creative, and strong.

Her Most-Beloved Passion: The Modelling Industry

R: Binta, how did you get involved in modelling? Did you always want to be a model?

BB: Not really. I was always told that I could be a model , but it was my curiosity and my love for fashion that made me start. My sister signed me up to do the Elite model look contest. After that, a couple of days later, I signed with a scouting agent and immediately started castings and go-sees.

R: When you decided to pursue a career in the model industry, did some people tell you that it would not be easy? If so, how do you deal with those opinions?

BB: Yes, I was told that it was a very hard industry. But as I mentioned before, I am very curious, and I like challenges. I believe that as long as you’re in health, nothing is impossible. So I don’t pay attention to those opinions, and I just do my best to take any good opportunity coming my way.

R: What was your first job as a model? How did you feel?

BB: It was a Givenchy haute couture show. It was an incredible show.

I was nervous, excited, but grateful. I remember crying after the show.

R: What do you love most about being a model? And, what do you least enjoy?

BB: I love having the chance to meet new people and having the opportunity to travel frequently. And I love art in general. So I just fully enjoy being part of it. What I least enjoy is managing my time, and of course, job security.

R: Tell us, what’s the most challenging aspect of being a model?

BB: For me, the most challenging aspect of modelling is doing it while being a black Muslim woman. It’s complicated because I was raised with very strict values and most of them are not conform modelling industry. Another challenging aspect is believing in yourself and taking care of your mental health.

R: Could you tell us the most memorable moment you have experienced during your career?

BB: The most memorable moment was when I had the opportunity to stay in Germany for an entire month. It was the most amazing experience of my life. Being at the hotel, alone for so long was great. It learned me a lot. It’s very important for me to take time to be alone, to be grateful for life.

R: If you could change something in the modelling industry, what it would be?

BB: I would definitely say bring more humanity into this industry. It would prevent a lot of depression and anxiety troubles for many girls.

As people are always in the rush, they sometimes forget the human side of the work. For me, it’s a chance to be in touch with people daily. A chance to make someone smile and make them forget their problems for a day. Let’s be kind to each other. It is sad to say that this job that allows so many people to realize their dream also destroyed so many lives because of the lack of humanity. And, of course, I would like more diversity. Even more. I want people to normalize diversity. 

R: What have you learnt as a fashion model over the years? What advice would you give to aspiring models?

BB: I learned that beauty is relative, that real beauty is being truly yourself and assuming who you are without trying to please others, and that is also what makes you unique and valuable. I also learned that mental health is as important. Therefore, you need to take care of both equally.

My advice to aspiring models would be to be patient. And the most important is to preserve what you want. It’s also important to be strong and surrounded by people that love you and can uplift you in hard times. There really is no secret. As long as you have specific goals and know where you want to be, you’ll succeed.

Everyone has got someone they look up to, or admire in some way

R: Which designers/creatives would be a dream to work with this year?

BB: My dream is to be part of a campaigns like Versace, Fendi or Bottega. But there are so many more brands I would love to work with.

In general, I am looking forward to working with a brand that represents powerful, strong, and free women. I am dreaming of doing shows like Jacquemus for his vision. Balmain with Olivier Rousteing for his story. Versace and more. And would love to collaborate with fashion magazines like Vogue France.

R: Who is your favourite designer? And, why?

BB: It was Virgil Ablo because his journey inspired me a lot. Not only because he opened a door for black creatives in fashion through the work he did foremost, but he also redefined what used to fit the standard of luxury fashion.

R: Who is the model you look up to?

BB: Jourdann Dun, Imaan Hammam, and Anok Yai.

R: What is the routine you have to do before you start a workday?

BB: It depends, but when I have time, I usually start my workdays by doing my skincare routine, praying, and then I make sure to eat a good energizing breakfast before leaving my place. 

Hobbies

R: Tell us more about yourself. What else do you do apart from modelling?

BB: I’m a hands-on type of person. Apart from modelling, I like doing things with my hands and manual tasks. In my free time, I like to knit, sew, write and read. I find it also crucial to take care of myself and my mental health. So, I always make time for that.

And what I enjoy the most is spending time with my family and friends. 

Not Something You Can Do On Your Own!

R: Being grateful is very important. Is there a particular person who has helped you get to where you are?

BB: I am very grateful to God for everything I have in life and all the people that surround me. 

I’m also grateful for having an incredible family that loves me and supports me in any way possible. I think it’s very important to be surrounded by caring people, especially in the environment I work in.